The Believers backdrop
The Believers poster

THE BELIEVERS

1987 • US HMDB
June 9, 1987

Mourning the accidental death of his wife and having just moved to New York with his young son, laconic police psychologist Cal Jamison is reluctantly drawn into a series of grisly, ritualistic murders involving the immolation of two youths.

Directors

John Schlesinger John Schlesinger

Cast

Martin Sheen as Cal Jamison

Martin Sheen

Cal Jamison

 Helen Shaver as Jessica Halliday

Helen Shaver

Jessica Halliday

 Harley Cross as Chris Jamison

Harley Cross

Chris Jamison

 Robert Loggia as Lt. Sean McTaggert

Robert Loggia

Lt. Sean McTaggert

 Elizabeth Wilson as Kate Maslow

Elizabeth Wilson

Kate Maslow

 Harris Yulin as Robert Calder

Harris Yulin

Robert Calder

 Lee Richardson as Dennis Maslow

Lee Richardson

Dennis Maslow

 Richard Masur as Marty Wertheimer

Richard Masur

Marty Wertheimer

 Carla Pinza as Carmen Ruiz

Carla Pinza

Carmen Ruiz

 Jimmy Smits as Tom Lopez

Jimmy Smits

Tom Lopez

 Raúl Dávila as Oscar Sezine

Raúl Dávila

Oscar Sezine

 Malick Bowens as Palo

Malick Bowens

Palo

 Janet-Laine Green as Lisa Jamison

Janet-Laine Green

Lisa Jamison

Larry Ramos

Diner Counterman

Philip Corey

Calder's Assistant

 Jennifer Lee Pryor as Calder's Assistant

Jennifer Lee Pryor

Calder's Assistant

 Eddie Jones as Police Patient

Eddie Jones

Police Patient

 Joe Pentangelo as Theater Cop

Joe Pentangelo

Theater Cop

 Robert Clohessy as Diner Detective

Robert Clohessy

Diner Detective

Dick Martinsen

Diner Cop
Horror Thriller Mistero
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Crew
Production: John Schlesinger (Producer) — Michael Childers (Producer) — Beverly J. Camhe (Producer) — Edward Teets (Executive Producer)
Screenplay: Mark Frost (Screenplay)
Music: J. Peter Robinson (Original Music Composer)
Cinematography: Robby Müller (Director of Photography)

REVIEWS (1)

Marco Castellini •
A psychiatrist investigates with the police the mysterious killings of some children. Just when he discovers that behind the murders is a sect of fanatical devil worshippers, he is captured by them who drug him to induce him to kill his own son, but, fortunately, he manages to come to his senses in time to avoid the worst. Mediocre horror film starring the otherwise good Martin Sheen. Little blood, little suspense, and a "pre-written" ending make it the usual "politically correct" made-in-USA horror. If you're looking for originality and strong emotions, steer clear.
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Where to Watch

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS (1)

Wuchak

Wuchak

6 /10

Unpleasant big city crime drama with Martin Sheen that morphs into sorcery-oriented horror

A widowed therapist (Martin Sheen) moves back to New York City to find himself assisting the NYPD in a series of slayings linked to a Caribbean Voodoo-like cult. Things get worse when he discovers they want his son for a human sacrifice. Helen Shaver plays his landlord and possible romantic interest.

“The Believers” (1987) is an adult-oriented crime drama that gets increasingly horrific. The plot and tone are akin to “Wolfen” (1981), albeit with the brujería cult replacing the super-wolves. It’s leagues superior to the similar “The Serpent and the Rainbow” (1988).

The diabolic angle makes for some ugliness (e.g. death due to electric shock, suicides, grisly sacrifices, snakes and creepy arachnids), but there are rays of light as well. Sheen is outstanding as the protagonist while Shaver offers her wares to the table. The shocking spider sequence was later ripped off by "Urban Legends: Bloody Mary" (2005).

The movie runs 1 hour, 44 minutes, and was shot in New York City & Toronto.

GRADE: B-

Reviews provided by TMDB